Natural Ways to Manage Pain & Fever During Pregnancy

Many women reach for Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy, but growing concerns about its safety have led many to ask: Are there better options for managing pain, inflammation, and fever while pregnant?

In this post, we explore holistic, functional, and evidence-informed strategies for supporting your body naturally during pregnancy.

Why Limit Tylenol and NSAIDs in Pregnancy?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): While often recommended, emerging studies suggest possible associations with developmental issues when used frequently or long-term in pregnancy. The science isn’t conclusive, but caution is reasonable. Tylenol also can be somewhat harsh to the liver, especially when used often, and depletes glutathione - the body’s main antioxidant.

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin): These are generally not recommended in later pregnancy. Long-term use has been linked with kidney issues in the baby, low amniotic fluid, and even heart complications.

Medications may sometimes be necessary, but looking to natural, supportive approaches first is wise.

Supporting Glutathione in Pregnancy

Glutathione is your body’s “master antioxidant.” Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is known to deplete it, so maintaining healthy levels during pregnancy is protective.

Ways to support glutathione naturally:

• Sulfur-rich foods: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, garlic, onions.

• Vitamin C foods/supplementation: Boosts glutathione recycling.

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Some functional doctors recommend it; however, safety during pregnancy isn’t fully established, so consult your OB before using.

• Milk thistle (silymarin): Supports the liver, though supplement use in pregnancy should be guided by a professional.

• Adequate protein: Especially from clean animal sources — helps the body make glutathione.

Milk Thistle

Natural Anti-Inflammatories for Pain Relief

Instead of reaching for Tylenol, try building a strong anti-inflammatory foundation:

• Curcumin (Turmeric): A powerful anti-inflammatory; safe in culinary amounts. Supplement forms should be discussed with a provider when pregnant.

• Magnesium: Relieves muscle tension, headaches, and promotes relaxation. Magnesium glycinate is well tolerated in pregnancy. Also, consider topical magnesium.

• Fish Oil (Omega-3s): Reduces inflammation and supports brain development in the baby.

• Ginger: Relieves symptoms of nausea and vomiting, may also reduce swelling.

• Peppermint Tea: Helps relieve nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Peppermint oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can boost immunity

• Anti-inflammatory diet:

  • Emphasize: leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds.

  • Reduce: refined carbs, processed foods, added sugar, caffeine, and alcohol (alcohol should be avoided completely during pregnancy).

Peppermint Tea

Foods and Habits That Worsen Inflammation & Pain in Pregnancy

Just as important as what you add in, is what you avoid. These foods and habits can fuel inflammation, making pain, swelling, and discomfort worse:

• Inflammatory seed oils (canola, soybean, corn, cottonseed, sunflower when refined) → high in omega-6 fatty acids that throw off your body’s inflammatory balance.

• Fast food & fried foods → usually cooked in low-quality oils and loaded with additives.

• Highly processed foods → packaged snacks, frozen dinners, and sugary treats increase oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Refined carbs (white bread, pastries, sweetened cereals) → spike blood sugar, driving insulin resistance and inflammation.

• Added sugars → worsen inflammation and may increase risk of gestational diabetes.

• Caffeine overload → small amounts are often safe, but too much can stress your adrenals and worsen sleep, fatigue, and hormone imbalance.

• Alcohol → unsafe at any level during pregnancy; adds oxidative stress and inflammatory load.

Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods not only lowers inflammation but also sets the stage for a smoother pregnancy and healthier baby.

Fever in Pregnancy: What’s Safe?

• A mild fever under 100.4°F (38°C) is generally not dangerous.

• A fever over 101–102°F (38.5–39°C), especially in the first trimester, may increase risk of complications and should be managed promptly, perhaps with guidance from a healthcare provider.

Holistic Fever-Soothing Approaches

If you’re a pregnant woman with a fever, here are safe, natural steps:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of filtered water, herbal teas (like chamomile or peppermint), and clean electrolyte solutions if sweating heavily.

• Rest: Prioritize sleep and gentle rest to allow your body to heal.

• Cooling the body naturally:

  • Lukewarm (not cold) baths or sponging with cool water.

  • Light, breathable cotton clothing and fresh air circulation.

  • Avoid ice baths or extreme cooling, which may stress the body.

• Herbal teas: Ginger or elderflower may promote sweating and immune support (always confirm herb safety in pregnancy).

• Bone broth & nutrient-dense soups: Nourish while supporting hydration and recovery.

• Vitamin C & Zinc-rich foods: Citrus, strawberries, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef — all immune supportive.

When to Seek Medical Care

Natural methods can help, but it’s important to know when to get medical help. Contact your provider immediately if:

• Fever is 101°F (38.3°C) and not coming down.

• You have chills, body aches, rash, or other infection signs.

• You feel dehydrated or unable to keep fluids down.

• You feel a burning sensation during urination, as it may indicate UTI.

• You are in the first trimester,  because high temperatures at this stage could potentially lead to birth defects.

• You have reduced fetal movement.

Pregnancy is a time to be extra mindful about medications. Supporting your body with anti-inflammatory nutrition, gentle supplements, and natural fever-care strategies can make a big difference — while keeping you and your baby safe. Always partner with your healthcare provider for a personalized plan.